It might seem odd at first, but eating pondweed could help you pack more nutrients into your diet. We’re not talking about the standard aquatic weeds that might be growing in your backyard or local park pond, but Wolffia globosa—an edible species of duckweed. Also known as Mankai, Wolffia globosa is an incredibly small plant that is bursting with nutrients—including B vitamins. Here’s what you need to know about the supergreen and how to cook with it.
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What is Wolffia globosa?
Wolffia globosa, which is incredibly small and measures around one millimeter in length, grows naturally in aquatic environments (think ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers) in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Central America. Currently, it is not widely cultivated, but it is starting to gain some traction as a health food in the West.
A few brands have tried to produce the duckweed, including Mankai USA, which is owned by Israeli sustainable food tech brand Hinoman. Mankai USA attempted to launch Wolffia globosa (which it called Mankai) onto the US market, but in 2022, it announced that it would be closing up shop.
The brand posted on Instagram at the time: “This decision was made by Hinoman’s investors and is in no way a reflection of the product itself. If you have a supply of Mankai it is stable in your freezer and we hope you will continue to enjoy it.”
However, Wolffia globosa is still available in the US. You can buy it in powdered, dried form from brands including Ama Grow and Vinatura.
Is Wolffia globosa good for you?
Wolffia globosa—which has a neutral, mild taste—is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins. Mankai USA also added vitamin B12 to Wolffia globosa to boost its nutritional value even more. Vitamin B12 isn’t widely available in plant-based foods (most who follow a vegan diet supplement vitamin B12 or obtain it from nutritional yeast or fortified cereals). Mankai USA’s version is no longer available, but brands like Ama Grow sell fortified Wolffia globosa powders with B12.
Wolffia globosa is also a key part of the green Mediterranean diet, an enhanced version of the standard Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based whole foods and is associated with a reduced risk of chronic disease. The only difference with the green version of the diet is that it contains less meat and emphasizes three key foods: walnuts, green tea, and Wolffia globosa. According to research, this version of the diet “amplifies the beneficial cardiometabolic effects of the Mediterranean diet.”
How to cook with Wolffia globosa: 5 vegan-friendly recipes to try
If you’re feeling inspired to give Wolffia globosa a try, we’ve included recipe inspiration to get you started with the tiny green superfood.
Mankai USA
1 Mankai Veggie Burger
If you’re a veggie burger fan, this simple recipe is likely very similar to many you’ve tried already. It contains garbanzo beans, beets, and rolled oats. The only difference is it also features a defrosted cube of Wolffia globosa in the mix, too. According to Mankai USA, the patty is a “wholesome” version of the “American classic.” The cubes are no longer available, but you could swap in the powder instead.
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California Walnuts
2 Walnut, Mankai, and Edamame Dip
In this creamy dip from California Walnuts, you’ll combine two elements of the green Mediterranean diet: walnuts and Wolffia globosa. The ingredients are blended with garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika to create a deliciously addictive dip perfect for tortilla chips and crudités.
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David Roberts
3 Super Green Walnut Mankai Smoothie
Spinach, Wolffia globosa, ginger, banana, pineapple, and walnuts combine in this smoothie to make a nutrient-dense flavorful morning drink. Just swap out the honey for agave or maple syrup to make the recipe totally vegan.
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Holistic Chef Academy
4 Wolffia Cheesecake
This creamy, nutritious cheesecake recipe from Holistic Chef Academy uses Wolffia powder from the Thai brand Flo Wolffia. Like Mankai USA, the brand cultivates and processes Wolffia globosa into nutritious easy-to-use products, like powders, but it also sells the duckweed fresh, too (although right now, this seems to be only available in Thailand).
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Mankai USA
5 Mankai Peachy Mango Ginger Smoothie
If you really love green smoothies, we have another tasty recipe for you. This one from Mankai USA combines raw mango, peach, ginger root, Wolffia globosa, and oat vanilla milk to create a nourishing blend you’ll want to wake up to every morning. Again, this recipe contains honey, but you can either omit this or swap it out for agave nectar or maple syrup.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.